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There are literally dozens of features that differentiate displays. It's important to pay careful attention to those that will have the greatest impact on the kind of activity you most regularly perform with your computer.

Native resolution. The actual number of pixels displayed is the panel's most important specification. Most LCD monitors allow you to scale images of other resolutions, but you'll get the sharpest result if you stick to the native resolution.

Viewing angle. With some LCD panels, viewing the image from an alternative angle can cause significant changes in brightness, contrast, and even color. If you need to see the image when you're not directly in front of the display, look for a design with a wider viewing angle. There are different technologies used to achieve this, but you should be able to view the image at up to 80 degrees off the axis in any direction. Note that off-axis viewing angles become more important as you move to larger screens, because the screen fills a larger portion of your field of view, and the angles to viewing the corners of the monitor are greater.

Digital versus analog input. A typical computer graphics adapter generates the display information and stores it as digital data in a frame buffer. If it is sent out the VGA connection  an analog port  this data must be converted from digital to analog. When it arrives at the LCD monitor, this analog information must be converted back to digital data before it can be sent to the LCD panel. The DVI digital interface was developed to eliminate the conversion from digital to analog and back again, so that you get a perfect image. The fact is that LCD monitor controllers now do such an excellent job of the analog-to-digital conversion that most users will find it difficult to tell the difference between an analog and a digital connection. The least expensive LCDs may not be quite as good at synchronizing the analog signal, which is one reason to not buy the least expensive models, but most users do not need to pay a premium for a digital connection because a quality analog monitor will be just as good.

Auto-adjust. If the LCD monitor uses an analog signal, it must synchronize to the signal in order to display an image of the right size and position. The best models have a single button on the front panel that lets you initiate an automatic synchronization process.

Front-panel controls. All displays require some adjustment, even if only for brightness and contrast settings. Most monitors now have an on-screen menu to guide you through the process; this menu will help you make sense of the controls and screen prompts. Models that double as televisions typically have remote controls that can also be used to make screen setting adjustments, and this is generally easier than using the front panel buttons. At least one manufacturer  Samsung  has a model without front panel controls; you use your computer to make adjustments which are then sent to the display.

Multiple inputs. If you need to work with more than one computer, but have space for only one display, consider getting a model with multiple inputs. The best units will have a single button or switch on the front panel, making it easy to switch between the two displays.

DDC support. The Display Data Channel (DDC) is a standard set by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) that allows computers to communicate with monitors. This feature allows the monitor to tell the computer, along with other information, which resolutions, signal rates, and power-saving modes it supports. The Windows Plug and Play feature can then use this information to configure the computer to work with the display, without the need for separate driver information.

Quick-exchange warranty. If your monitor fails, you won't be using your computer until you can get a replacement. Some display warranties include overnight replacement. If your installation is mission-critical, check for this coverage.

Pivoting display. Some LCD panels pivot so that the screen orientation can change from landscape modewhere the image is wider than it is tallto portrait mode. You must have utility software to rotate the image and reformat it for the new orientation. This feature lets you view an entire letter-size page in full size on a 15-inch LCD. Note that a few LCDs with rotating panels do not come with this utility software, which means that you will have to buy a third-party program in order to use this feature.

Mounting-arm compatible. One of the most attractive features of an LCD is that it takes up less space than a CRT. Many are designed to attach to arms that conform to a VESA mounting standard, so they can be mounted on a wall, saving even more space. You can also get arms that mount to desks, as well as models that will hold multiple LCD panels on one stand.

Antitheft lock. LCDs are fairly expensive and relatively small, making them attractive targets for theft. Some models include security features, such as support for a Kensington lock, which can deter pilfering.

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